What Businesses Need to Know about Australia’s New AML Rules
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti‑money laundering laws will change in a way that may affect a range of businesses and professional services.
While these reforms are significant, they will not apply to every business. The purpose of this update is to raise awareness, explain the changes in plain language, and help you understand whether the new rules are likely to be relevant to your business.
Why Are Australia's AML Laws Changing?
In December 2024, the Australian Government passed major reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws.
These reforms are designed to:
Close long-standing gaps in Australia's financial crime framework
Bring Australia into line with international standards
Reduce the misuse of professional and property services for money laundering
Historically, banks and financial institutions have carried most AML obligations. From July 2026, certain non-financial and professional services will also be brought into the regulatory framework.
Will These Changes Affect Your Business?
Many businesses will not be affected at all.
The new obligations only apply where a business provides specific "designated services" that are considered higher-risk for money laundering. It is the type of service, not the industry type, that matters.
Businesses most likely to be affected include those involved in:
Property transactions
Business structures and ownership arrangements
Acting on behalf of clients in financial or asset-related matters
If you run a retail business, hospitality venue, trade service, medical practice, online store, or similar operating business, these reforms are unlikely to apply to you.
Key Professions and Services in Scope from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, AML/CTF obligations may apply to certain services provided by:
Real estate professionals (including agents and developers)
Lawyers and conveyancers
Accountants
Trust and company service providers
Dealers in precious metals and stones
Not all services provided by these professions are regulated, only defined designated services.
What Are "Designated Services"?
In simple terms, designated services are activities where a business assists, arranges, manages or acts on behalf of a client in areas that could be used to hide or move illicit funds.
Common examples include:
Assisting with the purchase or sale of property
Helping establish companies, trusts or partnerships
Acting as a nominee director, trustee or shareholder
Managing client money or assets
Assisting with ownership or control structures
This does not automatically mean your business is captured but it does mean a closer review may be needed.
What Happens If Your Business Is Captured?
Businesses that provide designated services will need to comply with a set of risk-based AML obligations, scaled to the size and complexity of the business.
These include:
Enrolling with AUSTRAC (enrolment opens 31 March 2026; deadline 29 July 2026)
Maintaining an AML/CTF program appropriate for your business. This must be in place before you commence providing designated services
Training staff on AML/CTF obligations and how to identify suspicious activity
Identifying and verifying clients (customer due diligence) in certain situations
Monitoring and reporting suspicious activity
Keeping required records
Appointing a responsible AML/CTF compliance officer and notifying AUSTRAC by 29 July 2026
AUSTRAC Program Starter Kits
AUSTRAC has released free Program Starter Kits designed specifically for small businesses in newly regulated sectors including real estate professionals, lawyers, accountants and dealers in precious metals and stones. These customisable kits are designed to reduce the time and cost of getting your compliance program in place.
AUSTRAC has made it clear that expectations will be proportionate, particularly for smaller businesses, and that it does not expect perfection from day one. For newly regulated businesses, the first independent evaluation will not be required until 1 July 2029 at the earliest.
Key Dates to Be Aware Of
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2026 | AUSTRAC enrolment opens for newly regulated businesses |
| 30 May 2026 | Deadline for existing reporting entities to notify AUSTRAC of their AML/CTF Compliance Officer |
| 1 July 2026 | New AML/CTF obligations legally commence for Tranche 2 entities |
| 29 July 2026 | Hard deadline to enrol with AUSTRAC and notify of AML/CTF Compliance Officer (newly regulated businesses) |
| 1 July 2029 | Earliest date for first independent evaluation (newly regulated businesses) |
Early awareness and preparation will make compliance simpler and less disruptive.
Client Self-Assessment Checklist
Use the checklist below as a high-level guide only to determine whether the AML changes are likely to be relevant to your business.
You may be affected if your business:
- Assists clients to buy, sell or transfer property
- Sets up companies, trusts or other legal structures
- Acts as a nominee director, trustee or shareholder
- Manages or controls client money or assets
- Assists with changes to ownership or control of entities
You are unlikely to be affected if your business:
- Sells goods or services directly to the public
- Operates in retail, hospitality, trades, health, education or similar sectors
- Does not act on behalf of clients in financial, ownership or property matters
If you are unsure, a brief discussion can usually clarify whether further review is needed.
How We Can Help
As your accountants and advisers, we can help by:
Discussing whether the services you provide may fall within scope
Helping you understand what the changes mean for your business
Coordinating with legal or compliance specialists where appropriate
Supporting governance, documentation and readiness planning
Pointing you to AUSTRAC's Program Starter Kits and guidance relevant to your sectr